President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to financial reforms aimed at attracting investment and boosting growth in Nigeria’s aviation industry.
He said the ongoing overhaul of revenue policies, regulatory frameworks, and financial incentives will provide investors with the stability and confidence required to fund modern infrastructure, expand airline capacity, and strengthen overall sector competitiveness.
Speaking at the FAAN Annual National Conference held at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, on Monday, the President, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, disclosed that Nigeria’s aviation sector operates within a global ecosystem and must therefore align with internationally prescribed standards and practices.
He noted that this reality requires the country to continually expand opportunities for investment, partnerships, and international collaboration, adding that the administration remains committed to building on past achievements to position Nigeria as a preferred destination for aviation investment.
Tinubu explained that the government is already making progress by simplifying regulatory procedures, enhancing transparency, and introducing incentives across key areas such as airport development, aviation infrastructure, aircraft leasing, maintenance services, and technical training—all aimed at strengthening the sector’s global competitiveness.
“We are also working on fiscal reforms that will ensure clarity, and lend its hand to overall investment and policy coherence.
“Let me, at this point, reassure all our partners, potential foreign investors, that there has never been a time than now to invest,” the President said.
Reiterating his administration’s priorities, Tinubu affirmed that the government will remain firmly focused on safety, efficiency, and sustainability within the aviation sector.
He stressed a renewed commitment to advancing civil aviation policy reforms, adopting renewable energy solutions for airport operations, and developing smart, secure, and customer-centric terminals that reflect global best practices.
The President commended the Honourable Minister of Aviation for providing purposeful and impactful leadership, which has helped place the industry on an upward trajectory.
He also applauded the leadership of FAAN and other aviation agencies for their dedication to excellence and their role in driving progress across the sector.
Tinubu expressed confidence that the future of Nigerian aviation is bright and filled with potential. He emphasized that through collaboration between the government, private sector, and international partners, Nigeria will build a safer, stronger, and more globally connected aviation industry.
The President reaffirmed that standards, safety, and security will never be compromised, noting that government policies will remain investment-friendly and that the interests of critical stakeholders will continue to guide decision-making.
The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, emphasized that aviation sits at the heart of Nigeria’s next growth narrative.
According to him, any serious discussion about the nation’s economic future must inevitably address the aviation sector.
He noted that aviation extends far beyond aircraft movements and passenger traffic; it embodies competitiveness, connectivity, and confidence.
It determines whether investors can access markets with ease, whether cargo is transported efficiently, whether tourism can flourish at scale, and whether Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora remain connected to emerging opportunities.
“Here in Lagos, we feel this reality every single day. Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) remains Nigeria’s premier international gateway and one of the busiest airports in Africa, serving millions of passengers annually and anchoring the country’s aviation network,” Sanwo-Olu stressed.
The Chief Host of the event announced that Nigeria’s next-generation aviation gateway is already taking shape, as plans for Lagos State’s proposed second airport, the Lekki–Epe International Airport, continue to advance.
He noted that the Federal Government has granted Lagos State full approval to develop the new international airport in the Ibeju–Lekki axis, positioning it as a strategic public–private partnership project.
According to him, the initiative will not only expand the state’s aviation capacity but also anchor the rapidly growing Lekki corridor as a thriving hub for commerce, tourism, and global connectivity.
“The airport is designed as a Code F-compliant facility, capable of handling the Airbus A380 and other wide-body aircraft, and is planned to sit on about 3,500 hectares of land, roughly 10 kilometres from the Lekki Free Trade Zone.
“The master plan provides for an initial capacity of five million passengers annually, with modular expansion as demand grows,” Sanwo-Olu noted.
